The France team could voluntarily do without one of its star basketball players at the next Euro. According to information from L'Equipe, Marine Johannès should not be traveling to Slovenia and Israel, from June 15 to 25. The decision was reportedly taken after three months of talks between the French coaching staff and the clan of the 28-year-old player.
The reason? The back would like to take a tour of the United States in order to sign his contract with the New York Liberty franchise. Problem: the staff of the France team wants to be able to count on its workforce from May 24, non-negotiable deadline.
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The message would have been passed on to players who wanted to play in the American league before and after the Euro. In France, the finals of the women's league were even shortened to allow players likely to be selected to be available as early as May 22.
After five defeats in the final (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021) in the last decade, the goal is more than ever to end the curse of winning the European Championships. The French selection wants to put all the chances on its side, hence its wish to be able to oil the French machine as soon as possible, with the maximum of elements at its disposal. Jean-Aimé Toupane's team must face Serbia on May 28.
Forfeit at the last World Cup, Johannès, she had not failed to recall his ambition two months earlier to "go for the title with the Blues", according to L'Equipe.